I have been somewhat resistant to trying out any thermal optics. My ego had me thinking that using them was cheating and not giving the animals a “sporting chance.” I think @davidsng was one of the first members that caught my attention using a thermal scope on a filmed hunt. I’ve also corresponded with numerous other AGN members that use them. It wasn’t until my “Hog Duty” post where I was called upon to hunt and kill a feral hog (that I have yet to find) that I was convinced to try to incorporate thermal optics into my repertoire. When dangerous or destructive animals are in play, you want to get them out of the way ASAP. These aren’t trophy animals. I believe @airgun-hobbyist said something to that effect to me in the “Hog Duty” thread. That last line struck a chord with me.
Shortly before I became convinced to try thermal, @squirrel_getter shared a write up that he composed that I found to be helpful in highlighting and prioritizing elements of a thermal unit when shopping for them (I would like to share his write up here. I’ve already asked and he’s ok with it). This is a guide to that I think is a useful aid and introduction to thermal monoculars for those, like myself, that are not familiar with them. View attachment Thermal Monocular Guide.1640793196.pdf
Since reading this write up I’ve communicated with other members (that I’m not sure want their handles listed). I ended purchasing an entry level AGM thermal monocular (aka thermal scanner). I’ve taken it out on an attempt to call coyotes, but I was unsuccessful which isn’t a bad thing considering I was on a ranch with newborn calves that I and the rancher are concerned about being a little vulnerable. I did, however, have the opportunity to test it on that outing and it picked up my own heat signature on the ground where I’d posted while calling after I’d gotten up. It also picked up a heat signature from a spot in the woods where I urinated (hey if it picks that up it can do the same for an animal, right?) And I was able to pick up livestock and differentiate members of different species (horses vs cows) from a moderate distance in an open space.
Considering what I learned from my testing, I anticipate incorporating a thermal monocular into my repertoire coupled with night vision and high-lumen torches affixed to my rifles to contribute to a higher success rate for night hunting. For a few hundred bucks I figured it was worth a shot. Once the unit proves successful I may start shopping for an upgraded them all monocular or a thermal rifle scope.
For those of you using thermal optics - monoculars or scopes - what do you find most effective? How did you get into thermal? How big of an impact has it had on your hunting results?
Shortly before I became convinced to try thermal, @squirrel_getter shared a write up that he composed that I found to be helpful in highlighting and prioritizing elements of a thermal unit when shopping for them (I would like to share his write up here. I’ve already asked and he’s ok with it). This is a guide to that I think is a useful aid and introduction to thermal monoculars for those, like myself, that are not familiar with them. View attachment Thermal Monocular Guide.1640793196.pdf
Since reading this write up I’ve communicated with other members (that I’m not sure want their handles listed). I ended purchasing an entry level AGM thermal monocular (aka thermal scanner). I’ve taken it out on an attempt to call coyotes, but I was unsuccessful which isn’t a bad thing considering I was on a ranch with newborn calves that I and the rancher are concerned about being a little vulnerable. I did, however, have the opportunity to test it on that outing and it picked up my own heat signature on the ground where I’d posted while calling after I’d gotten up. It also picked up a heat signature from a spot in the woods where I urinated (hey if it picks that up it can do the same for an animal, right?) And I was able to pick up livestock and differentiate members of different species (horses vs cows) from a moderate distance in an open space.
Considering what I learned from my testing, I anticipate incorporating a thermal monocular into my repertoire coupled with night vision and high-lumen torches affixed to my rifles to contribute to a higher success rate for night hunting. For a few hundred bucks I figured it was worth a shot. Once the unit proves successful I may start shopping for an upgraded them all monocular or a thermal rifle scope.
For those of you using thermal optics - monoculars or scopes - what do you find most effective? How did you get into thermal? How big of an impact has it had on your hunting results?
